Mr. Speaker, Canadians only wish that the performance of the Liberals squared with their election platform. We all know about the scrap the GST promise. Where are we today?
There are so many inaccuracies in the comments of the member opposite that I can hardly even address them all. However he said something that was true. The facts I cited were amazing and should be paid attention to on the other side. They were taken from the government's own industry department study, from a think tank in Ottawa that is well respected. These are not made up figures. These are the government's own figures and we need to start paying attention to them.
It is not true that Canada has the highest standard of living in the world. Other countries are ahead of us, in particular the United States, as the Industry Canada study indicated.
Clearly the member was not listening to what I said. Once again he is living in some kind of fool's paradise that we do not have to do anything; don't worry, be happy.
This is not a fiscal dividend that is being spent. This is our money. This is Canadians' money. It is not money for the Liberal government to play Santa Claus with. It is time the Liberals understood that.
When the member talks about democracy he might want to look at a Roper Canada poll taken in December which showed that 39% of Canadians want a cut in taxes above everything else. Some 37% want to pay down the national debt. Guess how many want an increase in social spending. Only 19%.
If the hon. member wants to follow democracy, to listen to Canadians and to do what Canadians want with their money, he might pay attention to what they are really saying.